AGP Executive Report

Judicial Watch: The Gambia Bar Association says proposed Chief Justice nominee Edi M.O. Faal is not constitutionally qualified, urging President Barrow and the Judicial Service Commission to pause and resolve the constitutional issues before proceeding. Supreme Court Fallout: Government reiterates respect for the Supreme Court’s 7 July Modou Ceesay judgment and says it will study the ruling and act through lawful steps. Social Protection Cooperation: Nigeria’s NSITF pledges ongoing technical support and deeper partnership with The Gambia’s Industrial Injuries Compensation Fund under the SSHFC, after a one-week study tour. Migration & Jobs: ECOWAS Parliament reports from a week of citizen engagement in Banjul, warning that unemployment, low incomes, and weak access to education and training are driving irregular migration, and calls for stronger anti-trafficking laws and support for returnees. Climate & Land Use: Reporting highlights saltwater intrusion pushing farmers inland and damaging crops, with Bantang Killing residents abandoning fields as soils turn too salty. TVET Push: The Gambia unveils a US$13m plan to build two TVET Centres of Excellence for agribusiness and fisheries/aquaculture under the World Bank-backed RISE project. Energy Deal: Dangote’s proposed investment discussed in Banjul includes a 250MW solar plant and a fuel storage terminal aimed at boosting power supply and strategic petroleum reserves.

TVET Push: The Gambia unveiled a US$13m plan to set up two Centres of Excellence in Agribusiness and Fisheries & Aquaculture to boost skills for jobs in growing sectors, backed by the World Bank under the RISE project. Social Protection Partnership: Nigeria’s NSITF pledged ongoing technical support and deeper institutional ties with The Gambia’s social security bodies after a study tour, aiming to strengthen workers’ welfare across West Africa. Climate Pressure on Farms: A new report shows saltwater intrusion is pushing farmers in Bantang Killing to abandon fields as soils turn too salty and rainfall patterns shift. Constitutional & Legal Tension: The Gambia Bar Association says proposed Chief Justice Edi M.O. Faal lacks constitutional qualifications under Section 139(2), while government reiterates respect for the Supreme Court’s Modou Ceesay judgment. Migration & Border Security: ECOWAS Parliament urged stronger anti-trafficking laws, jobs for youth, and better support for returnees after a Banjul citizens’ engagement on irregular migration. Energy Investment Signal: Dangote’s proposed 250MW solar plant and fuel storage terminal could reshape The Gambia’s power supply and petroleum reserves. Health Access: FaBB Foundation commissioned The Gambia’s first Accident & Emergency Unit at Bansang General Hospital to improve emergency response. Governance Watch: Police launched a joint community peace initiative with Senegal to address border tensions through dialogue and early warning. Agriculture Costs: NFSC defended subsidised fertiliser pricing as farmers and dealers dispute mark-ups above the official D1,100 per bag.

Judicial Integrity Clash: The Gambia Bar Association has formally challenged the constitutional qualifications of newly appointed Chief Justice Edi M.O. Faal, citing Section 139(2) and urging President Barrow and the Judicial Service Commission to address the constitutional issues before the process proceeds. Supreme Court Aftermath: Government reiterated respect for the Supreme Court’s July 7 judgment in Modou Ceesay v. Attorney General, saying it will study the ruling and act through lawful steps while reaffirming separation of powers and judicial independence. Border Peace Push: Gambia Police launched a joint community peace initiative with Senegal to tackle long-running border tensions, stressing dialogue, early warning and community-led policing. Migration Law Agenda (Regional): ECOWAS Parliament, after a Banjul citizens’ engagement, called for stronger anti-trafficking laws, more youth jobs, and better support for survivors and returnees. Food Security Watch: NFSC defended fertiliser pricing after reports of overcharging above the D1,100 bag rate, with dealers blaming transport and handling costs. Energy Deal: Dangote’s proposed $2bn push for Gambia power includes a 250MW solar plant and a fuel storage terminal aimed at boosting supply and reserves. Healthcare Upgrade: FaBB Foundation commissioned The Gambia’s first Accident & Emergency unit at Bansang General Hospital.

Chief Justice appointment row: The Gambia Bar Association has raised constitutional objections to the proposed appointment of Edi M.O. Faal as Chief Justice, saying he does not meet Section 139(2) qualifications, and urged President Barrow, the Judicial Service Commission and the Attorney General to address the constitutional issues before proceeding. Supreme Court follow-up: Government issued a statement saying it has received and will study the Supreme Court judgment in Modou Ceesay v. Attorney General and Others, reaffirming rule of law, separation of powers and judicial independence. Women’s rights in court: The Supreme Court’s FGM case continues, with proceedings hearing expert input and adjourning to July 14, keeping the national debate on women’s rights and constitutional protections in focus. Border peace push: Gambia Police renewed its pledge for cross-border cooperation, launching a joint community peace initiative with Senegal to tackle longstanding border tensions through dialogue and early warning. Food security pressure: NFSC deputy director Lamin Sanyang defended fertiliser pricing, saying subsidised fertiliser sales are meant to help farmers, after reports of dealers charging above the approved D1,100 per bag. Energy investment: Dangote’s Africa Caucus pledge points to a 250MW solar plant and a fuel storage terminal to strengthen electricity supply and petroleum reserves. Healthcare upgrade: FaBB Foundation commissioned the first Accident & Emergency unit at Bansang General Hospital, aiming to cut emergency delays for Central River communities. Regional policing at UN: Nigeria’s UN envoy Jimoh Ibrahim, meeting Gambia’s police chief and Belgium’s interior minister, backed UN support for regional border policing and technology-driven cooperation. Gambia in US visa restrictions: A new roundup lists The Gambia among West African countries facing partial US visa restrictions in 2026. Environment threat: Reporting from Ebo Town warns Tanbi Wetland is being damaged by illegal backfilling and construction in wetland buffer areas.

Chief Justice Appointment Row: The Gambia Bar Association says newly appointed Chief Justice Edi M.O. Faal does not meet constitutional qualifications under Section 139(2), stressing it’s a constitutional question not a comment on his character. Supreme Court Aftermath: Government reiterates respect for the Supreme Court’s July 7 Modou Ceesay judgment and says it will study and act on orders in line with law and separation of powers. FGM Case Update: Supreme Court proceedings in the FGM ban challenge continue, with expert testimony heard and the matter adjourned to July 14. Energy Push: President Barrow announces Dangote’s proposed $2bn support for a 250MW solar plant and a fuel storage terminal to strengthen power supply and reserves. Local Environment Threat: Ebo Town’s Tanbi Wetland faces illegal backfilling and construction despite protected Ramsar status. Regional Security & Health: Police launch a joint peace initiative with Senegal to ease border tensions; ECOWAS/WAHO hands over ambulances and medical equipment to boost emergency care. Fertiliser Pricing Dispute: NFSC defends subsidised fertiliser pricing as farmers report overcharging. Football Governance: GFF sets elective congress for Aug 29 and opens nominations July 22.

Judicial Appointments Clash: The Gambia Bar Association says Edi M.O. Faal is not constitutionally qualified for Chief Justice, after an emergency meeting on Section 139(2), urging President Barrow and the Judicial Service Commission to revisit the process. FGM Case Update: The Supreme Court heard expert evidence in the Women’s (Amendment) Act/FGM challenge and adjourned proceedings to July 14, keeping the rights and constitutional questions in focus. Energy Investment Push: President Barrow announced Aliko Dangote’s US$2 billion strategic partnership for a 250MW solar plant and a modern fuel tank farm—still preliminary, pending binding agreements and studies. Healthcare Upgrade: FaBB Foundation commissioned the first Accident & Emergency Unit at Bansang General Hospital, aiming to cut emergency delays for Central River communities. Regional Finance Training: Liberia’s Witness Protection Agency sent senior finance officials to Banjul for IFRS and risk transparency training under WAIFEM. Regional Health Support: WAHO and AfDB handed over 10 ambulances and medical equipment to strengthen The Gambia’s emergency response. Women’s Rights & Inclusion: SOS Children’s Villages and the Remembering Reuel Foundation called for greater inclusion of children with disabilities, launching a new support initiative. Media Reform Debate: A CJID summit in Accra urged West African journalism to rebuild around data skills and regional cooperation to better defend democracy. Sports & Youth Spotlight: TMT’s Kaddy Jallow and Fatou Fatty secured historic moves to Bhutan’s Paro FC, highlighting rising Gambian women’s football talent.

Supreme Court, Amnesty Powers: The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Commission of Inquiry (Amendment) Act 2023, rejecting a challenge to the President’s power to grant amnesty to people barred from public office by commission findings. Supreme Court, FGM Ban Case: The State opened its defence in the constitutional challenge to The Gambia’s FGM ban, with a National Assembly legal officer testifying that the 2015 Women’s (Amendment) Bill followed required legislative steps. Energy & Investment: President Barrow announced Aliko Dangote’s US$2 billion pledge for a 250MW solar plant and a modern fuel tank farm, framed as a major boost for power generation and fuel storage security. IMF & Economy Debate: A new IMF disbursement of about US$22.5m sparked renewed calls for policy review, with opposition figures warning against continued reliance on external financing. Security Sector Reforms: Germany renewed support for Gambia’s security sector reforms, stressing that security forces must be bound by the rule of law, not political will. Youth & Sports: Gambian U18 beach volleyball champions departed for the Netherlands for the FIVB U18 World Championships, while two TMT women’s football captains joined Bhutan’s Paro FC. Road Safety: A deadly Guinea crash involving a Gambian-registered passenger vehicle killed seven and injured 13, renewing concerns about cross-border transport safety.

Supreme Court & Constitutionalism: The Supreme Court rejected a bid to expunge National Assembly records tied to the 2015 Women’s Amendment Bill in the FGM case, after plaintiffs failed to produce a final witness and the State moved to present its case. Amnesty Powers Challenge: The Court also dismissed a constitutional challenge to the President’s expanded amnesty powers, upholding Parliament’s 2023 Commission of Inquiry Amendment Act. Auditor General Ruling: Separate coverage highlights the Supreme Court’s finding that the Auditor General’s removal was unconstitutional, while noting the remedy did not include reinstatement—sparking debate on what “correction” should look like. Energy & Investment: President Barrow met IMF African Department Director Zeine Zeidane and, in the same high-level push, Dangote pledged US$2 billion for a 250MW solar plant and a fuel tank farm to boost power and fuel security. Skills & Jobs: Government validated designs for two World Bank-backed Centres of Excellence under the RISE project—US$13M for agribusiness and fisheries training hubs. Security Sector Reforms: Germany renewed support for Security Sector Reforms, stressing security forces must be bound by the rule of law. Youth & Innovation: Young Gambians showcased digital innovations for children’s needs, including sign-language learning tools and an AI virtual teacher pilot. Sports Governance: The GFF set its presidential election for 29 August, with nominations opening 22 July.

Supreme Court & Accountability: The Gambia’s Supreme Court ruled the removal of former Auditor General Modou Ceesay was “unconstitutional,” ordering compensation (full salary/allowances, gratuity and pension for the rest of his term plus D4m damages) but declining reinstatement, while keeping the current Auditor General in office. Constitutional Politics: A related legal debate continues around constitutional limits on appointments, including criticism of President Barrow’s reported Chief Justice pick and calls for public scrutiny of Section 139 qualifications. IMF Support: The IMF approved about US$23m for The Gambia and extended its ECF/RSF programmes by six months, citing resilience but warning inflation pressures and the need for tighter fiscal policy and stronger revenue mobilisation. Migration & Border Security: Immigration intercepted 91 would-be irregular migrants (including 22 Gambians) and arrested four suspected smugglers in Tanji, as ECOWAS Parliament steps up community outreach on irregular migration and trafficking. Regional Integration for Youth: ECOWAS launched School Clubs in The Gambia to promote integration, peace and critical thinking among students. Trade Finance: ITFC signed a US$250m three-year framework deal with The Gambia to support trade finance, energy imports and food security. Public Health Rights: The UN Human Rights Council adopted a landmark resolution linking human rights and neglected tropical diseases, with The Gambia among the leading African states. Economy & Governance Debate: Op-eds push for ending costly rented government offices and argue performance contracts are key to improving state-owned enterprise results.

IMF Deal: The IMF approved about US$23m for The Gambia and extended its ECF and RSF reform programmes by six months, with SDR16.58m set for immediate disbursement and access under the ECF increased. Migration Crackdown: Immigration officers in Tanji intercepted 91 irregular migrants (including 22 Gambians, 63 Senegalese, and six Guineans) and arrested four suspected smugglers, highlighting the risks for women and minors. Constitutional Showdown: Ahead of a Supreme Court ruling on the Auditor General’s removal, legal debate is framing the case as a test of presidential limits and the independence of constitutional institutions. Chief Justice Politics: Commentary and legal analysis are intensifying around President Barrow’s reported Chief Justice nomination, with writers arguing the appointment process and qualifications must meet constitutional standards. Death Penalty Debate: A National Assembly member is calling for a public debate on the death penalty moratorium after a spate of killings sparked renewed pressure to lift it. Trade Finance Boost: ITFC signed a US$250m three-year framework deal with The Gambia to support trade finance, energy imports, food security, and private sector development. ECOWAS Outreach: ECOWAS Parliament is running community consultations in Banjul and Dakar to shape stronger regional action against irregular migration and human trafficking.

Supreme Court Watch: The Gambia’s Supreme Court is set to rule on a legal challenge to the country’s ban on female genital mutilation, with campaigners warning any weakening of protections could put girls at risk. Judicial Independence: A High Court order has temporarily blocked the removal of Muhammad Rene Schwarze after he was declared persona non grata, with the matter heading to a full hearing. Election Politics & Coalition Building: The PPP’s Saikou Sawo signals openness to a UDP-led opposition coalition, while other commentary debates how nominations and executive over-domination should be handled ahead of 2026. Governance & Accountability: A National Assembly committee has warned over the Gambia Ports Authority’s port expansion deal, urging stronger monitoring of investor obligations and service standards. Environment & Compliance: The government says it is tightening enforcement under a new environmental law, including reforms to strengthen plastic bag ban compliance. Digital Identity Push: President Barrow has launched a national data centre and instant biometric ID system, with the identity rollout framed as a major governance upgrade. Regional Diplomacy: Barrow used the IMF/World Bank African Caucus in Banjul to call for deeper investment, innovation, and inclusion partnerships.

Supreme Court & Auditor-General Removal: The Supreme Court is set to rule today on whether the President can remove the Auditor General before the end of the constitutional term—an issue that could reshape the balance between the presidency and independent oversight bodies. Judiciary & Immigration Clash: A High Court order temporarily blocks the removal of Muhammad Rene Schwarze after he was declared persona non grata, with the matter heading to a full hearing next week. Chief Justice Nomination Debate: An opinion piece argues that nominations for top judicial posts should be based on more than constitutional eligibility, pushing for clearer public scrutiny of candidates’ work and international engagement. Security, Rights & Elections: Multiple commentaries and a letter condemn alleged manhandling of NDP leader Kebba Madi Bojang by immigration officers, calling for an independent investigation and security-sector reform ahead of the election cycle. National Governance & Oversight: Parliament’s committee warning flags concerns over the Port Expansion deal, urging stronger monitoring to protect jobs and government revenue. Women, Justice & Child Protection: A justice fellowship initiative trains young women to tackle child marriage and gender inequality, while another report highlights the stakes of the Supreme Court’s FGM ban decision for girls’ safety. Regional Development & Finance: President Barrow used the African Caucus meeting in Banjul to call for stronger IMF/World Bank partnership focused on investment, innovation, and inclusion, especially around infrastructure and digital connectivity.

Migration & Border Security: The Gambia’s Immigration Department says irregular migration is still rising despite crackdowns, pointing to porous borders and smuggling networks exploiting coastal communities; it also reports more Gambians returning from North Africa, including Libya. Human Rights in Court: The Supreme Court is set to rule on the FGM ban, with survivors warning the decision could determine whether daughters remain protected. Regional Policy Push: ECOWAS Parliament launches a week-long citizen engagement in Banjul (then Dakar) to warn youths and returnees about irregular migration and modern slavery. National Digital Identity: President Adama Barrow officially launches the GAM ID national identity system, with a new data centre and biometric cards aimed at improving security and public services. Governance & Accountability: MPs set a late-July deadline for Gambia Ferry Services to explain the disappearance of a ferry worth over D13m, after audit findings raised serious governance gaps. Environment Enforcement Debate: Government says it spent about D1.2m in five days enforcing the plastic bag ban, but officials admit court delays and sustainability challenges are undermining lasting impact. Youth & Education: Barrow pledges increased education funding and youth empowerment measures at an NPP students’ bantaba, including scholarships, teacher recruitment, and skills training.

National Identity Rollout: The Gambia officially went live with GAM ID, a unified national identity management system under a public-private partnership with Margins ID Group, with President Adama Barrow as the first enrollee after live biometric authentication. Parliament Oversight: The National Assembly’s Public Enterprises Committee set a late-July deadline for Gambia Ferry Services to explain the disappearance of a ferry worth over D13m, after audit findings raised governance and documentation gaps. Judicial Action on Immigration: The High Court in Banjul temporarily halted the expulsion/return of Muhammad Rene Schwarze, issuing an injunction pending hearing of his legal challenge to a persona non grata declaration. Opposition Politics: PPP flagbearer Saikou Sawo backed UDP leadership in any 2026 opposition coalition, arguing the largest opposition party should lead if talks are serious about change. ECOWAS Migration Push: ECOWAS Parliament launched a two-phase campaign in Banjul and Dakar to warn youths about irregular migration, trafficking and modern slavery. Environment Enforcement Debate: The Environment Minister said NEA spent about D1.2m in five days enforcing the plastic bag ban, while also flagging costly enforcement and court delays. Sports Governance: GFF stakeholders validated the business plan for a proposed professional Gambia football league.

National ID Rollout: The Gambia has launched its National Identity Management System, with instant GAM ID issuance and a July 6–29 pilot before wider continuous registration starting 4 August, as the Interior Ministry sets a structured enrolment schedule. Voter Register Update: The IEC will publish the provisional voter register on 7 July for public verification ahead of the 5 December 2026 presidential election, including steps to correct double registrations and a D50 fee for objections. Public Finance: Finance Minister Seedy Keita told lawmakers 2025 government revenue reached D33.1 billion, noting improved public financial management and timely audited statements for the first time in over 30 years. Police Accountability: IGP Seedy Mukhtar Touray defended police response to recent killings, saying suspects are in custody and fuel allocations are available for operational vehicles. Food Safety Oversight: An audit found the Food Safety and Quality Authority fined only 1 out of 519 unsafe-food cases, with 99.8% of offenders not fined. Women’s Economic Empowerment: President Barrow certified 730 young women under SWEDD+ and announced D32 million in business grants for the first cohort. Regional Security: Nigeria airlifted 198 troops to The Gambia for the ECOWAS mission, underscoring ongoing cross-border security cooperation.

National ID Rollout: The Gambia has launched its National Identity Management System, with instant GAM ID issuance and a pilot starting 6–10 July for Immigration staff, followed by notaries (13–17 July) and other registration phases, before continuous nationwide registration begins 4 August. Elections Watch: The IEC will publish the provisional voter register on 7 July for public verification ahead of the 5 December 2026 presidential election, with parties receiving soft copies and voters urged to scrutinise details; the IEC also says it will delete names of voters who registered multiple times in 2026. Security Briefing: Police IGP Seedy Mukhtar Touray defended police response to recent killings, saying arrests were made and fuel allocations exist, while the force faces deployment limits. Regional Peacekeeping: Nigeria airlifted 198 troops to The Gambia for the ECOWAS mission, supporting rotation and equipment movement. Women’s Empowerment: President Barrow certified 730 SWEDD+ beneficiaries and said grants of D50,000–D75,000 will back young women’s entrepreneurship. Governance & Accountability: Finance Minister Seedy Keita told Parliament 2025 revenue hit D33.1 billion, as audited accounts were laid before lawmakers.